I wish to give my lady honest praise
and to compare her to the lily and rose.
Outshining the morning star she fills my gaze,
and I liken her to the beauty that Heaven shows.
Green banks she doth resemble, and the air,
all flower colours, yellow, red like wine,
and gold and blue, rich gifts of jewels fair,
even love through her is more refined.

She passes by, so comely and so noble
that if she greets a man, then he is lowered,
and takes our faith if he did not believe;
no base man ever can come near to her.
I tell you also: she has greater power -
a man who has seen her can think no evil.